Holder and applicator for cosmetic liquids and the like



LQE'H 3Q, R94@ F1 W BRYANT 23999463 HOLDER AND APPLICATOR FOR COSMETIGLIQUIDS AND THE LIKE Filed Dec. 2, 1945 t JNVENTOR FREDERICK W BEY/W13'y @,W/Wwwww/ .g 5 Z 7 7 0 3M Patented Apr. 30, 1946 HOLDER ANDAPPLICATOR FOR COSMETIC LIQUIDS AND THE LIKE Frederick W. Bryant,Hanover, N. J.

Application December 2, 1943, Serial No. 512,644

6 Claims.

The invention relates to means for carrying and applying cosmeticliquids to cuticle and nails or to apparel in the case of perfume7 andfor like uses, as well as others.

It is an important aim of the invention to present a means for carryingand applying such liquids which is to be entirely free from liability ofspillage of the liquid, and in which the liquidcarrying means is scoordinated with a cuticle treating point or instrument that free liquidmay be deposited upon cuticle, nails, and the like immediately at thepoint of application oi the instrument.

A further important attainment oi the invention is to present a novelconformation o'f the instrument in its cuticle-treating point with theliquid-carrying means, to the end of facilitating the application ofliquids and to enable them to be properly applied in a free conditionimmediate ly at the point of the instrument.

Another important aim of the invention is to present a novel materialfor taking up and holding liquids of the kind involved, so as to be freefrom the objection involved by the use of ordinary parts, or by devicesdependent upon suction eiects, whether operating like fountain pensacks, or piston action.

It is an important aim of the invention to provide a holder and acoordinated sponge material of high adsorption capacity, to the end thatthe device will be automatic in refilling operation by merely presentingan end of the article in a container of the required liquid forimmediate filling within a few seconds.

It is an important object of the invention to obviate the need for anymechanical devices for effecting the utilization of the invention, assqueezers, springs, or other mechanical parts and to enable the completeembodiment of the invention by the simple provision of a barrel-likemember which will serve at the same time as a handle, with one endshaped to function as the cuticle working instrument. Afurther importantaim of the invention is to enable the production of the entire articlefrom plastics, the production of the holder or case parts involvingproduction practice corresponding to that in the formation of fountainpen barrels and caps.

Additional objects, advantages and features of invention reside in theconstruction, arrangement and combination of parts involved in theembodiment of the invention, as will be more readily understood from thefollowing description and accompanying drawing, wherein Figure 1 is anelevational view of an implement embodying my invention.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view thereof, with the partsassembled in closed position.

Figure 3 is an exploded view oi the parts with the barrel and cap insection.

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary. view of the point element of theinstrument, and the sponge material in empty condition.

Figure 5 is a similar view showing the nature of the sponge whensaturated and its relation to the barrel in that position.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional View taken on the line 6--6 of Figure 3looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to the drawing, there is illustrated a combined barrelcontainer and handle element Ii), of cylindrical form, a forward part oiwhich is restricted to form a short neck portion II through which acorrespondingly reduced passage I2 extends forwardly from the largerinner barrel portion, the outer end portion of the instrument beingtapered in a generally conical form to a point I3 forming a cuticleworking instrument IQ off ogival form. One side of this instrument,however, is cut away or formed as a recess extending from the passage I2for the major portion of the length of the instrument I4 to the neck II, as indicated at I5, in Figures 2 to 5 inelusive. The instrument I4 asindicated is 0f a generally circular form at its base, and partlycircular toward its point, and the recess I5 is preferably formed insuch manner that, as shown in Figure 6, sharp edges are formed at eachside of the instrument, at the junction of the ogival portion with thesurface of the recessed part I5,

thus providing sharp scraping edges IS at each side of the instrument,extending convergently to the point I3. In this manner the point portionof the instrument is formed with' one at side, the passage I2 beingdisposed slightly toward that side of the instrument at which the recessI5 is formed, so as to afford a thick body of material in the outer partof the instrument beside the passage-way I2, so that the point I3 may belocated exactly on the axis ofthe barrel portion I0, as shown, and withadequate material to give it the desired strength for the functionintended. While it is not absolutely essential for this point to be onthe axis of the barrel, it makes for greater eiiiciency in the use ofthe appliance, by manicurists or lay-users alike, and it does have theadvantage of aording a better working edge at I6, on each side adjacentthe point by locating the point on the axis of the barrel.

At th'e same time that the hat surface is provided on the inner side ofthe point with the sharp edges I6 at each side, the point still is soshaped as to present a rounded side portion I8 opposite the ilat faceI9. The uses and advantages of the instrument I4 as thus presented willbe readily appreciated and understood by those versed in the art, aswell as the lay users.

Incident to the restriction of the base of th'e instrument I4 to formthe neck II, a shoulder 20 is provided, and a top closure 2| is shown,having an open inner end adapted to t snugly upon the neck portion I Iand abut against the shoulder 20, its external diameter being the sameas that of the barrel IQ. The cap at its outer part is reduced indiameter to such size as expedient and desirable for the uses indicated,and to permit it to enclose the instrument I4 anda sponge carrier to bedescribed. The cap may be either frictionally or threadedly engaged uponthe neck portion I I, as found desirable. The base end of the barrel hasthe inner cylindrical chamber portion extended flush therethrough and aclosure plug 22 is engaged in the open end of the chamber, as shown,either frictionally or threadedly, or otherwise. The plug 22 is formedwith an air-vent passage 23 axially therethrough, lfor a function to besubsequently explained. Engaged in the barrel, and extended outwardlythrough the neck and through the opening of the passage I2 to therecessed side of the point I4, there is a liquid carrier element 25,preferably a synthetic sponge material of cellular structure, of amaterial having a high value of adsorption. A material of this nature isavailable on the market, produced by the Dupont de Nemours Company, ofWilmington, Delaware, under the name of cellulose Acetate Sponge, whichis peculiarly active in taking up acrious solutions, as well as others,and has been found highly effective in my device. This materialinitially or when dry, as shaped for use in my device, is of generallycylindrical form, and of a diameter to lie loosely in the barrel,portion, with a clearance therearound, substantially in the proportionshown in Figure 4, although the measurements indicated are not exact,and do not require to conform to strict limits. It is believedpreferable that the liquid carrier should initially nt in the passage I2with just a slight clearance, if any, and it has been my practice toform the passage I2 so that it will t close, but not tightly, upon thesponge element in its dry state. The forward end of the liquid carrier25, by which I designate the sponge material, is rounded, as shown inseveral sectional views, and projects Slightly from the recessed base Iof the instrument I4, and stops short of the point I3 a short distance.Its length is such as to stop short of the plug 22 a distance,especially when dry. When the sponge element or carrier 25 is saturatedwith cosmetic liquid, it expands into a snug t with the inner surfacesof the instrument I4, and its length increases to some extent, while theforward rounded end portion is caused to protrude slightly further fromthe open end of the passage I2 at the recessed side of the instrumentI4.

Incident to the expansion of the carrier 25 when saturated, that portionwhich extends through the neck I I and passage I 2 become fitted tightlyin the passage, so that longitudinal slippage of the carrier in theinstrument I4 is prevented, and in addition, a novel function in theapplication of the liquid from the device is attained, by which liquidmay be repeatedly extruded from the protruding portion 2B, so as to flowfreely upon subjacent surfaces, by the mere pressure of the protrudingportion 26 upon such surfaces. rIhe cellular structure of the material25 and its capillary action are such that even when liquid containedtherein is nearly exhausted, it nevertheless, distributes itselfuniformly throughout the mass of the material 25, and by the applicatingmethods indicated, free liquid may be caused to pass from the protrudingportion 26. This is due to the fact that when relieved of pressure,liquid tends to move into the protruded part 2S until there is a uniformdistribution of the whole amount of liquid carried by the material 25throughout its length, including the portion 26. However, due to therestriction and slight contraction of the portion extending through `theneck II, when quick pressure is applied upon the part 26, the impedanceof the ow inwardly through the passage I 2 and compacted portion of thematerial 25, leaves a path of lesser resistance toward the surfaces ofthe extruded part 2.6, from which the liquid. finds more ready passageby discharge from the material 25, so that this liquid thus freed mayflow upon the surfaces to which the instrument is applied.

The instrument having been assembled as described, with the dry material25 in place, in order to use the article the cap 2| is removed, and thepoint portion of the instrument inserted into a receptacle containingthe liquid which it is desired to carry in the instrument. By reason ofthe nature of the material 25, liquid is quickly taken up, the spongematerial expanding until it fills the barrel I!) in the mannerillustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 5. In this action, the passage 23performs an important function, in freeing air from the chamber withinthe barrel, so that the capillary action of the material will not beretarded by compression of air within the chamber.

It will be noted that the cap 2| is also provided with a duct passage 21at its tip, which is of advantage in case a friction t of the cap isutilized to hold it on the neck I I, but longitudinal movement of the'cap will not then operate to dispense liquid in either` directionthrough the protruded part 2S. Also, differences in temperatures,expansion and contraction of air in the cap will not tend to causemovement of liquids in the carrier materials.

In order to use the instrument I4 upon cuticle, the cuticle to betreated may be moistened by pressure of the protruded part 2t thereupon,and the cuticle may then bc scraped or otherwise manipulated by theedges I6 of the part ,I8 of the instrument I4. However, in many cases itis necessary to effect a flowing application of liquid to enable moreextensive removal of cuticle, and for cleaning under finger-nails andthe like, and in such event, by inserting the recessed portion I 4 overthe nger, and pressing the protruded part 26 downwardly thereupon, agreater quantity of the liquid will be caused to extrude from theportion 26 and flow upon the nger surfaces under the instrument. Theinstrument may then be turned se that its rounded portion is presentedagainst the linger, and the free liquid previously applied may then beworked into the cuticle and in the crevices around the nails andthereunder, the point portion and edges I6 being used at the proper timeto remove the loosened cuticle. The rounded portion of the point maythen be used to push the cuticle back from the base of the nails and theinstrument otherwise usedA in accordance with practices well understoodin manicure,

While I have disclosed my invention with great particularity, in thebest form known to me at this time, it is, nevertheless, to beunderstood that changes in construction, arrangement and combination ofparts, proportions of the parts and shape', together with substitutionof materials and equivalents, mechanical and otherwise, may be madewithout departing from the spirit of the invention, except as morespecically indicatedV in the'appended claims, wherein I claim: l. Ariarticle of the character described comtion of liquids, said passagethrough the instru',-v ment from the handle being of reduced diameterwhereby to partly restrict the capillary material,V

said material being protruded from the side of p the instrument for theapplicative use described.`

2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the capil-"' lary material is abody initially adapted to lie loosely Within the space in the handle,said pas-'1 sage through theinstrument being of small size to iit moreclosely on the material, and said material being of a nature to expandby adsorption of liquids, being protruded from the side of the',

instrument at the extremity of said passage, for

the purposes described.

3. An article of the character described comv prising a substantiallycylindrical tubular body' having a restricted instrument of generallyogival form, a passage being formed therethrough iromj the tubular bodyportion curved toward one side of the instrument, whereby to afford aportion of material closely adjacent the axis of the tubular body, oneside of the point portion being recessed, and a capillary materialengaged in the tubular body extended through said passage and exposed atthe recessed side of the point portion for the purposes described.

4. An article of the character described comprising a tubular handleportion having areduced ogival point, a passage being formed through thepoint portion in communication with saidgtubular part and curved towardone side of the point portion and opening therethrough, for the purposesdescribed, a capillary material tted in said passage, and adapted toexpand by adsorption of liquids within the tubular body portion, andclosure means for each end of the article.

5. An instrument of the character described comprising a tubular handleportion, a restricted neck portion extended from one end thereoflongitudinally and a point portion outwardly jthereof of generallyogival form, a passage beingl formed in the point portion from thetubular part first named curved toward one side of the point portion,whereby to form a thickened partf'adjacent the axis of the tubular part,said point lportion being recessed at the side toward which said passageis curved, said recess being formed with surfaces intersecting theogival surfaces of the point portion at an acute angle to form scrapingedges, and a point portion flat on one side and rounded on the other,substantially as describedQ v 6. An article of the character describedcornprising a handle element having a passage therethrough, said passagehaving an interior shoulder inwardly of one end thereof and a capillarymaterial in said passage and protruding beyond said end for applicativeuse, said capillary material initially adapted to lie loosely within thepassage, but expandable upon adsorption of liquids, said shoulderretarding a back flow of liquid under surface pressure.

FREDERICK W. BRYANT.

